wliwl, let's buy them!

Elaine, you may want to take closed walking shoes as well as your sandals to Israel and Jordan. We went last November, and it is very dusty.

seaurchin:
I have 3 pairs of shoes from Zappos in my room that I haven't worn yet or paid for yet! Two are for my trip in June, what am I saving the third pair for - I can't remember (warm weather?).

I know what you mean! I have a stack of shoes for every known occasion, I am surprised that I don't have a pair especially for wearing as I look at the other shoes! lol

wliwl
I really don't like sandals for heavy duty, dusty walking, I hate the feeling of gritty feet, even in a city.
There have been many helpful recs here for comfortable walking sandals, but I've decided I'd really prefer a summer-weight walking shoe. I have a pair of Merrells that I LOVE (just got back from a trip where I wore them almost every day, and walked miles) but they are too heavy and too black for summer in the Middle East.
I'm starting to think I may just go with a good supportive sneaker for daytime.

sorry, I guess it was Carolyn I was responding to

I've never found a pair of sandals that were as supportive as closed shoes (and thatNY Times article made me laugh with some of their suggestions for "comfortable" sandals). However, in the summer, even late spring or early fall, closed shoes are too hot, and that creates its own discomfort.

In the mean time I have found some fabulous blister prevention: Compede(the brand name in Europe), sold as Band Aid Advanced Healing in the U.S., put on beofre the blisters start, works wonders! And now the chains are coming up with their own no-name versions of these. You can wear them for several days, and they are far superior to moleskin. Now I won't travel without them.

Liz

I have used Andre Assous Featherweights for years (both day and night.) Nice looking wedge sandal in microsuede -- black, cream, navy brown, lovely with skirts or shorts or capris.

wliwl,

A couple of months ago I bought a pair of Think sandals very similar to yours (mine are brown and have a butterfly instead of the woman). They were oh so comfortable when I tried them on in the store, but they cut big gashes on the tops of my feet just walking around Sea World for half a day. I've been breaking them in bit by bit and they're getting better, and of course everyone's feet are different, but I recommend breaking them in really well before you take them on a trip. Cute shoes, though. :)

I thought I did not care a whit about fashion when comfort was at stake, but I've revised that opinion after seeing the crocs. They look like they were hit with the ugly stick (southern-ism for "really, really ugly")

I just bought a pair of Think "Julia" sandals amd have worn them in the house all weekend. They have a thong in between toes and I have very difficult feet but so far these have been great. I won't wear them in dusty places but will take off my sensible Eccos and wear these for hot wandering and evenings. They are quite cute. ~o)

http://www.nextstepshoes.net/womens-...tion-shoes.asp

Very cute, Jazzyred. And the thong doesn't hurt? I am also an Ecco fan, but these look great for summer.

kswl today I am taking my "Julia's" to the street!! So I will let you know.
My past experience with thongs has been try them on in store and say "get these off they're killing me!" The Think shoes seem different no pain just comfort so far. The Eccos are so comfortable but I also want something a little dressy looking .

I'm going out with bandaids in hand but fingers crossed as well! ~o)

Jocelyn:
Yikes! Thanks for the heads up. I'll put them on today. I bought them to replace a pair of Clarks that did that to me.

Check out http://www.soleas.com
They have really cool walking sandals and other shoes. Their prices seemed affordable and I liked their selection.

I finally caved and got myself a pair of crocs. They are hideous but so comfortable! So my question is this: Will I look like a freak if I wear crocs in Europe?

Zappos is THE place for shoes - I love the reviews, although I don't always agree.

The first two pairs of Crocs I bought we made in Italy so I would imagine Europeans wear them. They might be ugly but they are so comfortable and lightweight. I'm bringing them to Europe and I could care if anyone laughs or makes comments. Are they paying for my trip? No!

Ryka makes a great walking shoe AND sandal. Very cushiony and supportive, I wore both in France & Italy last fall. I bought them on QVC, and they're still holding up well!

I bought the Posture Control Insoles. They work great for flat feet. I had them in my shoes while traveling in Europe last month. If you buy them I recommend you wear them for a couple of weeks before you go traveling.
They are different, they are thin except for a raised wedge under the big toe. It's kinda hard to explain how they work but here is a blog I found that explains it pretty well:
http://myflatfeet.blogspot.com
Hope this helps. they definitely helped me. I wish you all good weather!